Climbing the Wall of Monerva has been a long and spectacular journey. It took a strong team and a steady hand to help us reach the summit, and many more to keep us from falling right back down again.
Our deepest thanks to Deirdre Jones for never losing sight of us or letting us drop, no matter how high the Wall seemed or how fast we were slipping. A very special thank-you to the one and only Victoria Stapleton, who we have no doubt is a wizard of the highest order (if humbler than most wizards we know). Thanks also to Andrew Smith, Kristina Aven, Jenny Choy, Emilie Polster, Annie McDonnell, and everyone else at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and Orion Children’s Books for making sure we had all the necessary tools for the journey.
Of course, climbing is always easier if you can fly. We are eternally grateful to the wonderful Merrilee Heifetz, who seems to sprout wings every time we’re about to slip. Also to Sarah Nagel, Cecilia de la Campa, and the entire team at Writer’s House for their unerring support.
But for the imagination of Todd Harris and the steady hand of his wife, Rachel, we would be lost and blind to the wondrous creatures and places of the Stream. Red @ 28th provided a welcoming base camp, and our fellow mountaineers supplied necessary advice, wisdom, and friendship: Thanks to Kate Sullivan, Rose Brock, Sarah MacLean, Beth Revis, Diana Peterfreund, Ally Carter, the folks at Bat Cave, as well as all the folks at FDWNC, for their continued support and tolerance of many skipped lunch breaks. And of course, our wonderful families continue to encourage us in expeditions such as these, no matter how far we go or how distant it takes us.
Finally, but foremost, to our fearless readers. There are no fires without fuel, and no stories without hearts to burn in. Thank you for climbing with us. The view from the top of the Wall is so much sweeter with you by our sides!